BRICS Unite Against American Protectionism Amid Trade War Tensions

In the absence of China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, leaders of the BRICS nations are set to present a united front against U.S. protectionist policies at the summit beginning today in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. While the group is expected to avoid directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump, they will express serious concerns over his administration’s unilateral tariffs that have disrupted global trade. The summit, which includes representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, comes amid growing economic tensions fueled by the ongoing trade war. According to a draft copy obtained by AFP, the BRICS nations will voice worries about trade-distorting measures that threaten global economic growth. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the summit host, emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in defending the global trading system and reforming international financial structures. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin will reportedly address the summit via video link due to an outstanding arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. Additionally, the recent conflict between Iran and Israel casts a shadow over the talks, with leaders seeking consensus on how to address the issue in the final declaration.